Enthusiasms and expostulations, by Glenn Kenny

April 24, 2013

Toward a unified field theory of "Pain & Gain"

One of the things I admire about Michael Bay's Pain & Gain is how it functions as a critique of itself. "Bosh," some have replied to my tentative musings in this area, "Bay's not that sophisticated a filmmaker." I dunno, or, more to the point, I don't believe that he has to be in order for the film to be imbued with this quality. I do a bit more theorizing in my review for MSN Movies.

Great piece! You're really on a roll. In the past I was underwhelmed by the constant references to Godard, but that tic seems to have faded. Now I can see that you do some really good stuff. You made me want to see this movie, big time, and I rarely think that after reading reviews. Even though Bay's other movies are mostly painful, it sort of seemed that he might have something in him. And, with a good screenplay like this, it seems he has way more than I expected.

I'm really excited to see this movie. Here's a strange thought I just had while reading your review - just going by the trailer(s), and the color palette etc. displayed therein, this seems like Michael Bay's attempt at a Tony Scott movie to me. Like, his version of Domino. Any thoughts on that?

"In the past I was underwhelmed by the constant references to Godard, but that tic seems to have faded."

Speaking of Godard, two days ago I finally saw "Vivre Sa Vie" for the first time (on the Criterion disc). It was extraordinary, and by far the best Godard film I've ever seen. Funny that a movie from 1962 had more impact on me than anything I saw in 2012.

I just came in from seeing this and loved it. It's just so audacious, dumb, offensive and funny as well as being such a mean spirited, crazed look at America. Also, I don't know if it's been pointed out already but this isn't Bay doing Tony Scott, it's Bay doing the Coen Brothers; particularly FARGO or even RAISING ARIZONA.